[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 20 (Monday, January 31, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5312-5324]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-27966]



[[Page 5311]]

Vol. 87

Monday,

No. 20

January 31, 2022

Part XX





Department of Defense

General Services Administration

National Aeronautics and Space Administration





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 87 , No. 20 / Monday, January 31, 2022 / UA: 
Reg Flex Agenda  

[[Page 5312]]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

48 CFR Ch. 1


Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

AGENCY: Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration 
(GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

ACTION: Semiannual Regulatory Agenda.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of regulations being 
developed by the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense 
Acquisition Regulations Council in compliance with Executive Order 
12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review.'' This agenda is being 
published to allow interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rulemaking process. The Regulatory Secretariat Division has 
attempted to list all regulations pending at the time of publication, 
except for minor and routine or repetitive actions; however, 
unanticipated requirements may result in the issuance of regulations 
that are not included in this agenda. There is no legal significance to 
the omission of an item from this listing. Also, the dates shown for 
the steps of each action are estimated and are not commitments to act 
on or by the dates shown.
    Published proposed rules may be reviewed in their entirety at the 
Government's rulemaking website at http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lois Mandell, Division Director, 
Regulatory Secretariat Division, 1800 F Street NW, 2nd Floor, 
Washington, DC 20405-0001, 202-501-4755.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DoD, GSA, and NASA, under their several 
statutory authorities, jointly issue and maintain the FAR through 
periodic issuance of changes published in the Federal Register and 
produced electronically as Federal Acquisition Circulars (FACs).
    The electronic version of the FAR, including changes, can be 
accessed on the FAR website at http://www.acquisition.gov/far.

    Dated: September 8, 2021.
William F. Clark,
Director, Office of Government-wide Acquisition Policy, Office of 
Acquisition Policy, Office of Government-wide Policy.

                    DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR)--Prerule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
410.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO33
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2021-016, Minimizing
                             the Risk of Climate
                             Change in Federal
                             Acquisitions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                 DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR)--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
411.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN56
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-016, Controlled
                             Unclassified Information
                             (CUI).
412.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN91
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2019-008, Small
                             Business Program
                             Amendments.
413.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN98
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2019-015, Improving
                             Consistency Between
                             Procurement & Non-
                             Procurement Procedures on
                             Suspension and Debarment.
414.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO08
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2020-005,
                             Explanations to
                             Unsuccessful Offerors on
                             Certain Orders Under Task
                             and Delivery Order
                             Contracts.
415.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO10
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2020-007,
                             Accelerated Payments
                             Applicable to Contracts
                             With Certain Small
                             Business Concerns.
416.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO11
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2020-008,
                             Prohibition on Criminal
                             History Inquiries by
                             Contractors Prior to
                             Conditional Offer.
417.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO12
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2020-010, Small
                             Business Innovation
                             Research and Technology
                             Transfer Programs.
418.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO17
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2020-013,
                             Certification of Women-
                             Owned Small Businesses.
419.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO18
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2020-016,
                             Rerepresentation of Size
                             and Socioeconomic Status.
420.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO19
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2021-001, Increased
                             Efficiencies With Regard
                             to Certified Mail, In-
                             Person Business, Mail,
                             Notarization, Original
                             Documents, Seals, and
                             Signatures.
421.......................  FAR Acquisition Regulation         9000-AO23
                             (FAR); FAR Case 2021-005;
                             Disclosure of Beneficial
                             Owner in Federal
                             Contracting.
422.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO24
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2021-006,
                             Prohibition on Requiring
                             Disclosure of Political
                             Contributions.
423.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO26
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2021-009, Protests
                             of Orders Set Aside for
                             Small Business.
424.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO27
                             Regulations (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2021-010,
                             Subcontracting to Puerto
                             Rican and Other Small
                             Businesses.
425.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO28
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2021-011, Past
                             Performance of First-Tier
                             Subcontractors.
426.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO29
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2021-012, 8(a)
                             Program.
427.......................  Federal Acquisitions               9000-AO30
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2021-013, Access to
                             Past Performance
                             Information.
428.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO32
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2021-015, Disclosure
                             of Greenhouse Gas
                             Emissions and Climate-
                             Related Financial Risk.
429.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO34
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2021-017, Cyber
                             Threat and Incident
                             Reporting and Information
                             Sharing.
430.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO35
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2021-019,
                             Standardizing
                             Cybersecurity
                             Requirements for
                             Unclassified Information
                             Systems.
431.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO36
                             Regulations (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2021-020,
                             Limitations on
                             Subcontracting.

[[Page 5313]]

 
432.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO37
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2021-021, Ensuring
                             Adequate COVID-19 Safety
                             Protocols for Federal
                             Contractors.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                  DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR)--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
433.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN29
                             Regulation: FAR Case 2016-
                             005; Effective
                             Communication Between
                             Government and Industry.
434.......................  FAR Acquisition Regulation         9000-AN31
                             (FAR); FAR Case 2015-038,
                             Reverse Auction Guidance.
435.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN32
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-005,
                             Whistleblower Protection
                             for Contractor Employees.
436.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN34
                             Regulation; FAR Case 2016-
                             002, Applicability of
                             Small Business
                             Regulations Outside the
                             United States.
437.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN43
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-014, Use of
                             Acquisition 360 to
                             Encourage Vendor Feedback.
438.......................  Federal Regulation                 9000-AN59
                             Acquisition (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-019, Policy on
                             Joint Ventures.
439.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN78
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-020,
                             Construction Contract
                             Administration.
440.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN83
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-017,
                             Prohibition on Certain
                             Telecommunications and
                             Video Surveillance
                             Services or Equipment.
441.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN86
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2019-003,
                             Substantial Bundling and
                             Consolidation.
442.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN90
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2019-007, Update of
                             Historically
                             Underutilized Business
                             Zone Program.
443.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN92
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2019-009,
                             Prohibition on
                             Contracting With Entities
                             Using Certain
                             Telecommunications and
                             Video Surveillance
                             Services or Equipment.
444.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO13
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2020-011,
                             Implementation of FASC
                             Exclusion Orders.
445.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO21
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2021-003, Update to
                             Certain Online References
                             in the FAR.
446.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO22
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2021-008, Amendments
                             to the FAR Buy American
                             Act Requirements.
447.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO25
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2021-007, Maximum
                             Award Price for Certain
                             Sole Source Manufacturing
                             Contracts.
448.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO31
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2021-014, Increasing
                             the Minimum Wage for
                             Contractors.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                  DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR)--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
449.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN66
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-006; Definition
                             of Subcontract.
450.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN71
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-012, Rights to
                             Federally Funded
                             Inventions and Licensing
                             of Government-Owned
                             Inventions.
451.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN72
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-013, Exemption
                             of Commercial and COTS
                             Item Contracts From
                             Certain Laws and
                             Regulations.
452.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN73
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-014, Increasing
                             Task-Order Level
                             Competition.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                  DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR)--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
453.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN35
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2016-011, Revision
                             of Limitations on
                             Subcontracting.
454.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN44
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-013, Breaches
                             of Personally
                             Identifiable Information.
455.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN46
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-011, Section
                             508-Based Standards in
                             Information and
                             Communication Technology.
456.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN84
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2019-001, Analysis
                             for Equipment
                             Acquisitions.
457.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN87
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2019-004, Good Faith
                             in Small Business
                             Subcontracting.
458.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO04
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2020-004,
                             Application of the MPT to
                             Certain Task and Delivery
                             Orders.
459.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO16
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2020-012, Scope of
                             Review by Procurement
                             Center Representatives.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 5314]]

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE/GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION/NATIONAL 
AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (FAR)

Prerule Stage

410.  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2021-016, 
Minimizing the Risk of Climate Change in Federal Acquisitions

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 5(b)(ii) of Executive 
Order 14030, Climate-Related Financial Risk. Section 5(b)(ii) directs 
the FAR Council to consider amending the FAR to ensure that major 
agency procurements minimize the risk of climate change and to require 
consideration of the social cost of greenhouse gas emissions in 
procurement decisions for major agency procurements.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   10/15/21  86 FR 57404
ANPRM Comment Period End............   12/14/21
NPRM................................   05/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Hawes, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-7386, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO33

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE/GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION/NATIONAL 
AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (FAR)

Proposed Rule Stage

411. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-016, 
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA) Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 
program of Executive Order 13556 of November 4, 2010 as implemented in 
NARA's implementing regulations at 32 CFR 2002, and implement the OMB 
Memorandum M-17-12, entitled Preparing for and Responding to a Breach 
of Personally Identifiable Information (PII). This rule will apply the 
CUI program requirements in Federal contracts in a uniform manner to 
protect CUI. This rule is one element of a larger strategy to improve 
the Government's efforts to identify, deter, protect against, detect 
and respond to increasing sophisticated threat actions targeting 
Federal contractors.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN56

412. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2019-008, Small 
Business Program Amendments

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement regulatory changes proposed 
by the Small Business Administration regarding small business programs. 
The proposed regulatory changes include the timing of the determination 
of size status for multiple-award contracts for which price is not 
evaluated at the contract level; the grounds for size-status protests; 
and the grounds for socioeconomic status protests.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/21
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Malissa Jones, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2815, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN91

413. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2019-015, Improving 
Consistency Between Procurement & Non-Procurement Procedures on 
Suspension and Debarment

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to bring the FAR and the Non-procurement 
Common Rule (NCR) procedures on suspension and debarment into closer 
alignment. The FAR covers procurement matters and the NCR covers other 
transactions, such as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts of 
assistance, loans and loan guarantees.
    The Government uses suspension and debarment procedures to exercise 
business judgment. These procedures give Federal officials a 
discretionary means to exclude parties from participation in certain 
transactions, while affording those parties due process.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN98

414. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2020-005, 
Explanations to Unsuccessful Offerors on Certain Orders Under Task and 
Delivery Order Contracts

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 874 of the NDAA for 
FY 2020. For awards of certain task or delivery orders, section 874 
provides unsuccessful offerors the opportunity to request in writing an 
explanation as to why their offer was unsuccessful. Contracting offers 
are required to provide a brief explanation, including the rationale 
for award and an evaluation of the significant weak or deficient 
factors in the offeror's offer.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/22

[[Page 5315]]

 
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO08

415. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2020-007, 
Accelerated Payments Applicable to Contracts With Certain Small 
Business Concerns

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to establish an accelerated payment date 
for small business contractors, to the fullest extent permitted by law, 
with a goal of 15 days after receipt of a proper invoice, if a specific 
payment date is not established by contract. For contractors that 
subcontract with small businesses, the proposed rule, to the fullest 
extent permitted by law, establishes an accelerated payment date, with 
a goal of 15 days after receipt of a proper invoice, if: (1) A specific 
payment date is not established by contract, and (2) the contractor 
agrees to make accelerated payments to the subcontractor without any 
further consideration from, or fees charged to, the subcontractor. This 
change implements section 873 of the National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2020 (Pub. L. 116-92). Section 873 amends 31 U.S.C. 
3903(a).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/29/21  86 FR 53923
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/29/21
Final Rule..........................   07/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-7207, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO10

416. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2020-008, 
Prohibition on Criminal History Inquiries by Contractors Prior to 
Conditional Offer

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 1123 of the NDAA for 
FY 2020 (Pub. L. 116-92), which added at 41 U.S.C. 4714 and 10 U.S.C. 
2339 prohibitions related to criminal history inquiries on individuals 
competing for or applying to work on Federal contracts. Per the 
statute, a contractor may not request criminal history record 
information on an applicant for a position related to work under a 
contract before the contractor has extended a conditional offer to the 
applicant for that position. In addition, the Federal Government may 
not request criminal history record information on an individual or 
sole proprietor who is competing on a Federal Government contract, 
unless that individual is the apparently successful offeror. This 
proposed rule implements the statutory prohibition and the associated 
procedures and exceptions.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/21
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Hawes, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-7386, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO11

417. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2020-010, Small 
Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer Programs

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement changes to the U.S. Small 
Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) 
and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Policy Directive issued 
(May 2, 2019). The proposed changes include updating FAR 27 to add 
reference to the STTR program, revise: Definitions, allocation of 
rights, protection period, SBIR/STTR rights notice, data rights marking 
provisions, and add language to FAR 6.302-5(b) to acknowledge the 
unique competition requirements for SBIR/STTR Phase III contracts 
permitted by the Small Business Act.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mahruba Uddowla, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2868, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO12

418. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2020-013, 
Certification of Women-Owned Small Businesses

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: The purpose of this FAR case is to implement the 
statutory requirement for certification of women-owned and economically 
disadvantaged women-owned small businesses participating in the Women-
Owned Small Business Program (section 825 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015), as implemented by the Small 
Business Administration in its final rule published May 11, 2020. This 
rule promotes equity in Federal procurement.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/07/21  86 FR 55769
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/06/21
Final Rule..........................   06/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Malissa Jones, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2815, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO17

419. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2020-016, 
Rerepresentation of Size and Socioeconomic Status

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the FAR to 
implement statutory requirements as implemented by the Small Business 
Administration's final rule published October 16, 2020 (85 FR 66146), 
requiring contractors to rerepresent its size and economic status for 
all set-aside orders issued under full and open multiple-award 
contract. Additionally, rerepresentation is required for orders issued 
under a small business set-aside

[[Page 5316]]

MAC where the orders are further set aside exclusively for a particular 
socioeconomic category and the required socioeconomic status differs 
from the underlying multiple-award contract. Orders issued under any 
FSS are exempt from the requirement to rerepresent size and or 
socioeconomic status.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dana Bowman, Procurement Analyst, DoD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, 
Phone: 202 803-3188, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO18

420. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2021-001, Increased 
Efficiencies With Regard to Certified Mail, In-Person Business, Mail, 
Notarization, Original Documents, Seals, and Signatures

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation to increase flexibilities and efficiencies 
regarding certified mail, in-person business, mail, notarization, 
original documents, seals, and signatures using digital and virtual 
technology. This would streamline certain essential contracting 
procedures.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-7207, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO19

421. FAR Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2021-005; Disclosure of 
Beneficial Owner in Federal Contracting

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement sections 885 and 6403 of the 
William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2021. Section 885 requires that the Federal Awardee 
Performance and Integrity Information System include identifying 
information on the beneficial owner of a Federal contractor that is a 
corporation. Paragraph (c) of section 6403 directs the FAR to be 
changed to require certain offerors to disclose beneficial ownership 
information in their offers for contracts over the simplified 
acquisition threshold.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-7207, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO23

422. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2021-006, 
Prohibition on Requiring Disclosure of Political Contributions

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch.137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 735 of Division E of 
title VII of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Pub. L. 116-
260) which prohibits the Government from recommending or requiring an 
offeror on a Federal contract to disclose as a condition of its offer 
any payments the offeror has made to a candidate for election for 
Federal office or to a political committee.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Hawes, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-7386, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO24

423.  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2021-009, 
Protests of Orders Set Aside for Small Business

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement the requirements in SBA's 
final rule issued on October 16, 2020 regarding size protests on set-
aside orders under multiple-award contracts that were not set-aside; 
socioeconomic status protests on set-aside orders where the required 
status differs from that of the underlying multiple-award contract; and 
the authority for SBA's Associate General Counsel for Procurement Law 
to initiate size protest.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dana Bowman, Procurement Analyst, DoD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, 
Phone: 202 803-3188, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO26

424.  Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR); FAR Case 2021-010, 
Subcontracting to Puerto Rican and Other Small Businesses

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 861 of the National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232), as 
implemented by the Small Business Administration's final rule published 
October 16, 2020 (85 FR 66146). Section 861 of the NDAA for FY 2019 
provides contracting incentives to mentors that subcontract to protege 
firms that are Puerto Rican businesses. Specifically, a mentor that 
provides a subcontract to a prot[eacute]g[eacute] that has its 
principal office located in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico may receive 
positive consideration for the mentor's past performance evaluation, 
and apply costs incurred for providing training to such protege toward 
the subcontracting goals contained in the subcontracting plan of the 
mentor. This FAR case also implements SBA's final rule which added 
clarifying language to recognize that prime contractors may rely on the

[[Page 5317]]

self-certifications of their subcontractors provided they do not have a 
reason to doubt any specific self-certification. Lastly, this FAR case 
implements changes to SBA's regulations at 13 CFR 125.3(b)(2) which 
clarify that an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC) owned firm that does 
not individually qualify as small but counts as a small business or a 
small disadvantaged business for subcontracting goaling purposes under 
43 U.S.C. 1626(e)(4)(B) is not currently required to submit a 
subcontracting plan. This rule promotes equity in Federal procurement.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Malissa Jones, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2815, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO27

425.  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2021-011, 
Past Performance of First-Tier Subcontractors

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement the statutory requirements 
(15 U.S.C. 644(e)(4)(B)(i)) and (15 U.S.C. 644(q)(1)(B)) as implemented 
by the Small Business Administration's final rule published October 16, 
2020 (85 FR 66146). 15 U.S.C. 644(e)(4)(B)(i) requires contracting 
officers to consider the capabilities and past performance of first 
tier subcontractors for bundled or consolidated contracts, and 15 
U.S.C. 644(q)(1)(B) requires contracting officers to consider the 
capabilities and past performance of first tier subcontractors for 
multiple award contracts valued above the substantial bundling 
threshold of the Federal agency. SBA's final rule also gives 
contracting officers discretion to consider past performance and 
experience of first-tier subcontractors for other procurements as 
appropriate where the first-tier subcontractors are specifically 
identified in the proposal, and the capabilities and past performance 
of the small business prime do not independently demonstrate 
capabilities and past performance necessary for award.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Malissa Jones, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2815, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO28

426.  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2021-012, 
8(a) Program

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement regulatory changes made by 
the SBA, in its final rule published in the Federal Register on October 
16, 2020, to the 8(a) Business Development Program to eliminate or 
reduce unnecessary or excessive burdens on 8(a) Participants. This rule 
promotes equity in Federal procurement.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dana Bowman, Procurement Analyst, DoD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, 
Phone: 202 803-3188, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO29

427.  Federal Acquisitions Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2021-013, 
Access to Past Performance Information

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to clarify language at FAR 42.1503(d) 
regarding restrictions on the release of past performance information 
in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to 
other than Government personnel to perform value added services to the 
Government. Artificial intelligence (e.g., machine learning) may 
improve the workforce's ability to leverage the use of contractor 
performance information in informing future contract award decisions 
and other related efforts.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO30

428.  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2021-015, 
Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate-Related Financial 
Risk

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch.137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 5(b)(i) of Executive 
Order 14030, Climate-Related Financial Risk. Section 5(b)(i) directs 
the FAR Council to consider amending the FAR to require major Federal 
suppliers to publicly disclose greenhouse gas emissions and climate-
related financial risk and to set science-based reduction targets.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Hawes, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-7386, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO32

429.  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2021-017, 
Cyber Threat and Incident Reporting and Information Sharing

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to increase the sharing of information 
about cyber threats and incident information between the Government and 
certain providers, pursuant to OMB recommendations, in accordance with 
section 2(b)-(c), and Department of Homeland Security recommendations,

[[Page 5318]]

in accordance with section 8(b), of Executive Order 14028, Improving 
the Nation's Cybersecurity. In addition, requires certain contractors 
to report cyber incidents to the Federal Government to facilitate 
effective cyber incident response and remediation, pursuant to 
Department of Homeland Security recommendations in accordance with 
sections 2(g)(i) of Executive Order 14028.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO34

430.  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2021-019, 
Standardizing Cybersecurity Requirements for Unclassified Information 
Systems

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to standardize common cybersecurity 
contractual requirements across Federal agencies for unclassified 
information systems, pursuant to Department of Homeland Security 
recommendations in accordance with sections 2(i) and 8(b) of Executive 
Order 14028, Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO35

431.  Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR); FAR Case 2021-020, 
Limitations on Subcontracting

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement Small Business Administration 
(SBA) changes to the limitations on subcontracting in SBA's final rules 
published on November 29, 2019, and October 16, 2020, which implemented 
sections of the National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA) for fiscal 
years 2016 and 2017, and the Recovery Improvements for Small Entities 
After Disaster Act of 2015 (RISE Act). Generally this rule will clarify 
matters related to the limitations on subcontracting for small 
businesses. Changes will be made in areas such as: Exclusions of other 
direct costs from the limitations on subcontracting for services; 
similarly situated entities and the treatment of independent 
contractors; applicability of the Nonmanufacturer rule to 541519 when 
using the Information Technology Value Added Reseller (ITVAR) 
exception; the multiple item rule; mixed contracts; and CO discretion 
to ask for compliance information.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Malissa Jones, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2815, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO36

432.  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2021-021, 
Ensuring Adequate Covid-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement Executive Order (E.O.) 14042, 
Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated 
September 9, 2021. The Executive Order requires a clause to be included 
in certain contracts to ensure contractors are adequately protected 
from COVID-19 by requiring certain contractor and subcontractor 
compliance with all guidance for contractor and subcontractor workplace 
locations published by the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force. The rule 
will promote economy and efficiency in procurement by contracting with 
sources that provide adequate safeguards to their workers which will 
decrease worker absence, reduce labor costs and therefore, improve 
contractor and subcontractor performance on Federal procurements.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/00/22  .......................
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/00/22  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-7207, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO37

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE/GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION/NATIONAL 
AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (FAR)

Final Rule Stage

433. Federal Acquisition Regulation: FAR Case 2016-005; Effective 
Communication Between Government and Industry

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 887 of the 
NDAA for FY 2016 (Pub. L. 114-92). This law provides that Government 
acquisition personnel are permitted and encouraged to engage in 
responsible and constructive exchanges with industry. This change will 
permit and encourage Government acquisition personnel to engage in 
responsible and constructive exchanges with industry as part of market 
research as long as those exchanges are consistent with existing laws 
and regulations and promote a fair competitive environment.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/29/16  81 FR 85914
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/02/17  .......................
Final Rule..........................   06/00/22  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN29

[[Page 5319]]

434. FAR Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015-038, Reverse 
Auction Guidance

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement policies addressing 
the effective use of reverse auctions. Reverse auctions involve 
offerors lowering their pricing over multiple rounds of bidding in 
order to win Federal contracts. This change incorporates guidance from 
the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) memorandum, ``Effective 
Use of Reverse Auctions,'' which was issued in response to 
recommendations from the GAO report, Reverse Auctions: Guidance is 
Needed to Maximize Competition and Achieve Cost Savings (GAO-14-108). 
Reverse auctions are one tool used by Federal agencies to increase 
competition and reduce the cost of certain items. Reverse auctions 
differ from traditional auctions in that sellers compete against one 
another to provide the lowest price or highest-value offer to a buyer. 
This change to the FAR will include guidance that will standardize 
agencies' use of reverse auctions to help agencies maximize competition 
and savings when using reverse auctions.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/07/20  85 FR 78815
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/05/21  .......................
Final Rule..........................   06/00/22  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN31

435. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-005, 
Whistleblower Protection for Contractor Employees

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement 41 U.S.C. 4712, 
``Enhancement of Contractor Protection From Reprisal for Disclosure of 
Certain Information,'' and makes the pilot program permanent. The pilot 
was enacted on January 2, 2013, by section 828 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year (FY) 2013. The rule clarifies 
that contractors and subcontractors are prohibited from discharging, 
demoting, or otherwise discriminating against an employee as a reprisal 
for disclosing to any of the entities such as agency Inspector Generals 
and Congress information that the employee reasonably believes is 
evidence of gross mismanagement of a Federal contract; a gross waste of 
Federal funds; an abuse of authority relating to a Federal contract; a 
substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; or a 
violation of law, rule, or regulation related to a Federal contract 
(including the competition for or negotiation of a contract.) This rule 
enhances whistleblower protections for contractor employees by making 
permanent the protection for disclosure of the aforementioned 
information and ensuring that the prohibition on reimbursement for 
legal fees accrued in defense against reprisal claims applies to both 
contractors and subcontractors.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/26/18  83 FR 66223
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/25/19  .......................
Final Rule..........................   03/00/22  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN32

436. Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 2016-002, Applicability 
of Small Business Regulations Outside the United States

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to support SBA's policy of 
including overseas contracts in agency small business contracting 
goals. SBA revised its regulation at 13 CFR 125.2, as finalized in its 
rule ``Acquisition Process: Task and Delivery Order Contracts, 
Bundling, Consolidation'' issued on October 2, 2013, to clarify that 
overseas contracting is not excluded from agency responsibilities to 
foster small business participation.
    In its final rule, SBA has clarified that, as a general matter, its 
small business contracting regulations apply regardless of the place of 
performance. In light of these changes, there is a need to amend the 
FAR, both to support the changes to SBA's regulation, and to give 
agencies the tools they need, especially the ability to use set-asides 
to maximize opportunities for small businesses overseas.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/12/19  84 FR 39793
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/11/19  .......................
Final Rule..........................   03/00/22  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mahruba Uddowla, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2868, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN34

437. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-014, Use of 
Acquisition 360 To Encourage Vendor Feedback

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to address the solicitation of 
contractor feedback on both contract formation and contract 
administration activities. Agencies would consider this feedback, as 
appropriate, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their 
acquisition activities. The rule will create FAR policy to encourage 
regular feedback in accordance with agency practice (both for contract 
formation and administration activities) and a standard FAR 
solicitation provision to support a sustainable model for broadened use 
of the Acquisition 360 survey to elicit feedback on the pre-award and 
debriefing processes in a consistent and standardized manner. Agencies 
will be able to use the solicitation provision to notify interested 
sources that a procurement is part of the Acquisition 360 survey and 
encourage stakeholders to voluntarily provide feedback on their 
experiences of the pre-award process.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   07/23/18  83 FR 34820
ANPRM Comment Period End............   09/21/18  .......................
NPRM................................   09/15/20  85 FR 57177
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/16/20  .......................
Final Rule..........................   03/00/22  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

[[Page 5320]]

    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN43

438. Federal Regulation Acquisition (FAR); FAR Case 2017-019, Policy on 
Joint Ventures

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement regulatory changes 
made by the Small Business Administration (SBA), Small Business Mentor 
Prot[eacute]g[eacute] Programs, published on July 25, 2016 (81 FR 
48557), regarding joint ventures and to clarify policy on 8(a) joint 
ventures. The regulatory changes provide industry with a new way to 
compete for small business or socioeconomic set-asides using a joint 
venture made up of a mentor and a prot[eacute]g[eacute]. The 8(a) joint 
venture clarification prevents confusion on an 8(a) joint venture's 
eligibility to compete for an 8(a) competitive procurement.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/05/20  85 FR 34561
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/04/20  .......................
Final Rule..........................   02/00/22  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Malissa Jones, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2815, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN59

439. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-020, 
Construction Contract Administration

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 855 of the 
NDAA for FY 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232). Section 855 requires, for 
solicitations for construction contracts anticipated to be awarded to a 
small business, notification to prospective offerors regarding agency 
policies or practices in complying with FAR requirements relating to 
the timely definitization of requests for equitable adjustment and 
agency past performance in definitizing such requests.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/01/20  85 FR 18181
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/01/20  .......................
Final Rule..........................   04/00/22  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dana L. Bowman, Procurement Analyst, General 
Services Administration, 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 
202 803-3188, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN78

440. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-017, 
Prohibition on Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance 
Services or Equipment

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA amended the Federal Acquisition 
Regulation (FAR) to implement section 889 (a)(1)(A) of the National 
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 19 (Pub. L. 115-232). Section 
889(a)(1)(A) prohibits the Government from procuring covered 
telecommunications equipment and services from Huawei Technologies 
Company, ZTE Corporation, Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou 
Technology Company, or Dahua Technology Company, to include any 
subsidiaries or affiliates. Provisions have been added to the FAR which 
require that an offeror represent at an entity level in SAM, and if 
applicable on an offer-by-offer basis, if the offeror will or will not 
provide any covered telecommunications equipment or services to the 
Government. If an offeror responds in an offer that it will provide 
covered telecommunications, the offeror will need to provide additional 
disclosures. This FAR rule is needed to protect U.S. networks against 
cyber activities conducted through Chinese Government-supported 
telecommunications equipment and services.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   08/13/19  84 FR 40216
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      10/15/19  .......................
 End.
Interim Final Rule..................   12/13/19  84 FR 68314
Interim Final Rule Effective........   12/13/19  .......................
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      02/11/20  .......................
 End.
Final Rule..........................   03/00/22  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kevin Funk, Supply Chain Risk Management Expert, 
DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 
357-5805, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN83

441. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2019-003, 
Substantial Bundling and Consolidation

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are amending the Federal Acquisition 
Regulation (FAR) to implement section 863 of the National Defense 
Authorization Acts (NDAA) for FY 2016 and the Small Business 
Administration (SBA) implementing regulations requiring public 
notification of an agency's determination to substantially bundle or 
consolidate contract requirements.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/27/20  85 FR 23299
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/26/20  .......................
Final Rule..........................   11/04/21  86 FR 61038
Final Rule Effective................   12/06/21  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dana Bowman, Procurement Analyst, DoD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR) DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, 
Phone: 202 803-3188, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN86

442. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2019-007, Update of 
Historically Underutilized Business Zone Program

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are amending the Federal Acquisition 
Regulation (FAR) to implement regulatory changes issued in a final rule 
on November 26, 2019, by the Small Business Administration regarding 
the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program. The 
regulatory changes are intended to reduce the regulatory burden 
associated with the HUBZone Program. This rule promotes equity in 
Federal procurement.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/14/21  86 FR 31468

[[Page 5321]]

 
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/13/21  .......................
Final Rule..........................   03/00/22  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Malissa Jones, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2815, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN90

443. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2019-009, 
Prohibition on Contracting With Entities Using Certain 
Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are amending the Federal Acquisition 
Regulation (FAR) to implement paragraph (a)(1)(B) of section 889 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 19 (Pub. L. 115-232). 
Beginning two years from the enacted date, paragraph (a)(1)(B) of 
section 889 prohibits the Government from entering into a contract or 
extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any 
equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications 
equipment and services from Huawei Technologies Company, ZTE 
Corporation, Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Technology 
Company, or Dahua Technology Company, to include any subsidiaries or 
affiliates. This FAR rule is needed to protect U.S. networks against 
cyber activities conducted through Chinese Government-supported 
telecommunications equipment and services. Paragraph (a)(1)(A) of 
section 889 is being implemented separately through FAR Case 2018-017.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   07/14/20  85 FR 42665
Interim Final Rule Effective........   08/13/20  .......................
Interim Final Rule..................   08/27/20  85 FR 53126
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      09/14/20  .......................
 End.
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      10/26/20  .......................
 End.
Interim Final Rule Effective........   10/26/20  .......................
Final Rule..........................   03/00/22  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: FAR Policy, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, 
Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-4075, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN92

444. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2020-011, 
Implementation of FASC Exclusion Orders

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: This rule will amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation 
(FAR) to address implementation of issued exclusion orders authorized 
by section 202 of the SECURE Technology Act (115 Pub. L. 390), which 
amends 41 U.S.C. 1323 by creating the Federal Acquisition Security 
Council (FASC) and authorizing the Secretary of Homeland Security, the 
Secretary of Defense, and the Director of National Intelligence to 
issue exclusion orders, upon the recommendation of the FASC. These 
orders are issued to protect national security by excluding certain 
covered products, services, or sources from the Federal supply chain.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   02/00/22  .......................
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      04/00/22  .......................
 End.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kevin Funk, Supply Chain Risk Management Expert, 
DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405. Phone: 202 
357-5805, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO13

445. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2021-003, Update to 
Certain Online References in the FAR

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to replace FAR references to 
Federal Business Opportunities (FBO.gov) and Wage Determinations Online 
(WDOL.gov) with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov), because of 
their integration with and increased functionality of SAM.gov.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   11/00/21  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO21

446. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2021-008, 
Amendments to the FAR Buy American Act Requirements

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are amending the Federal Acquisition 
Regulation (FAR) to implement section 8 of Executive Order 14005, 
Ensuring the Future Is Made in All of America by All of America's 
Workers. Section 8 requires the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council 
to strengthen the impact of the Buy American Act. In pursuit of the 
goals of section 8, the proposed rule would provide for (1) an increase 
to the domestic content threshold, a schedule for future increases, and 
a fallback threshold that would allow for products meeting a specific 
lower domestic content threshold to qualify as domestic products under 
certain circumstances; (2) a framework for application of an enhanced 
price preference for a domestic product that is considered a critical 
product or made up of critical components; and (3) a postaward domestic 
content reporting requirement for contractors.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/30/21  86 FR 40980
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/28/21  .......................
Final Rule..........................   02/00/22  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mahruba Uddowla, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2868, 
Email: [email protected]
    RIN: 9000-AO22

447. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2021-007, Maximum 
Award Price for Certain Sole Source Manufacturing Contracts

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are amending the Federal Acquisition 
Regulation (FAR) to implement section 864 of the William M. (Mac) 
Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. 
Section 864 amends the Small Business Act by modifying the maximum 
award price for sole source manufacturing contracts to $7 million for 
the 8(a), Women-Owned

[[Page 5322]]

Small Business (WOSB), Historically Underutilized Business Zone 
(HUBZone), and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) 
programs. This rule will change the current FAR thresholds for the 8(a) 
and HUBZone programs from $7.5 million to the statutory threshold of $7 
million. The thresholds for the WOSB and SDVOSB programs will remain 
unchanged at the current FAR $7 million threshold.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   11/04/21  86 FR 61040
Final Rule Effective................   12/06/21  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO25

448.  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2021-014, 
Increasing the Minimum Wage for Contractors

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA will amend the Federal Acquisition 
Regulation (FAR) to implement Executive Order 14026, Increasing the 
Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors, dated April 27, 2021, and 
Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR part 23). The Executive order 
seeks to increase efficiency and cost savings in the work performed by 
parties who contract with the Federal Government by increasing to 
$15.00 the hourly minimum wage paid to those contractors.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   01/00/22
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      03/00/22
 End.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mahruba Uddowla, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2868, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO31

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE/GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION/NATIONAL 
AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (FAR)

Long-Term Actions

449. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-006; 
Definition of Subcontract

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 820 of the National 
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2018. Section 820 amends 41 
U.S.C. 1906(c)(1) to change the definition of ``subcontract'' for the 
procurement of commercial items to exclude agreements entered into by a 
contractor for the supply of commodities that are intended for use in 
the performance of multiple contracts with the Federal Government and 
other parties and are not identifiable to any particular contract.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/00/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN66

450. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-012, Rights to 
Federally Funded Inventions and Licensing of Government-Owned 
Inventions

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the FAR to 
implement the changes to 37 CFR parts 401 and 404, ``Rights to 
Federally Funded Inventions and Licensing of Government-Owned 
Inventions,'' dated May 14, 2018. The changes reduce regulatory burdens 
on the public, but increase burdens on the Government, provide greater 
clarity to large businesses by codifying the applicability of Bayh-Dole 
as directed in Executive Order 12591, and provide greater clarity to 
all Federal funding recipients by updating regulatory provisions to 
align with provisions of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act in terms 
of definitions and timeframes.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/00/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN71

451. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-013, Exemption 
of Commercial and COTS Item Contracts From Certain Laws and Regulations

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch.137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 839 of the John S. 
McCain National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019 which 
requires the FAR Council to review each past determination made not to 
exempt contracts and subcontracts for commercial products, commercial 
services, and commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) items from 
certain laws when these contracts would otherwise have been exempt 
under 41 U.S.C. 1906(d) or 41 U.S.C. 1907(b). A new determination is to 
be made whether to provide exemptions from those certain laws and if 
so, propose revisions to the FAR to reflect those exemptions. The law 
also requires the FAR Council to review the FAR to assess every 
regulation not based on law or Executive order that requires a specific 
clause in contracts for commercial products or commercial service sand 
propose to eliminate those regulations unless the FAR Council makes a 
new determination not to do so. It also requires an assessment of every 
regulation that requires a prime contractor to include a specific 
clause in subcontracts for commercially available off-the-shelf items, 
unless the clause is required by law or Executive order. Paragraph (c) 
also requires that revisions to the FAR be proposed to eliminate those 
regulations unless the FAR Council decides not to do so.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/00/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 5323]]

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mahruba Uddowla, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2868, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN72

452. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-014, 
Increasing Task-Order Level Competition

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 876 of the John S. 
McCain National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019, which 
would provide civilian agencies with an exception to the existing 
statutory requirement to include price to the Federal Government as an 
evaluation factor that must be considered in the evaluation of 
proposals for all contracts. The exception would only apply to IDIQ 
contracts and to Federal Supply Schedule contracts for services that 
are priced at an hourly rate. Furthermore, the exception would only 
apply in those instances where the Government intends to make a 
contract award to all qualifying offerors, thus affording maximum 
opportunity for effective competition at the task order level. An 
offeror would be qualified only if it is a responsible source and 
submits a proposal that conforms to the requirements of the 
solicitation, meets any technical requirements, and is otherwise 
eligible for award.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/22
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/00/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN73

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE/GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION/NATIONAL 
AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (FAR)

Completed Actions

453. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2016-011, Revision 
of Limitations on Subcontracting

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to revise and standardize the 
limitations on subcontracting, including the nonmanufacturer rule, that 
apply to small business concerns under FAR part 19 procurements. This 
rule incorporates the Small Business Administration's (SBA) final rule 
that implemented the statutory requirements of section 1651 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2013. This 
action is necessary to meet the Congressional intent of clarifying the 
limitations on subcontracting with which small businesses must comply, 
as well as the ways in which they can comply. The rule will benefit 
both small businesses and Federal agencies. The rule will allow small 
businesses to take advantage of subcontracts with similarly situated 
entities. As a result, these small businesses will be able to compete 
for larger contracts, which would positively affect their potential for 
growth as well as that of their potential subcontractors.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   08/11/21  86 FR 44233
Final Rule Effective................   09/10/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mahruba Uddowla, Phone: 703 605-2868, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN35

454. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-013, Breaches 
of Personally Identifiable Information

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are withdrawing this rule. The 
requirements of this case have been added into FAR case 2017-016, 
Controlled Unclassified Information.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn...........................   10/20/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Phone: 202 208-4949, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN44

455. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-011, Section 
508-Based Standards in Information and Communication Technology

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to incorporate recent revisions 
and updates to accessibility standards issued by the U.S. Access Board 
pursuant to section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This FAR 
change incorporates the U.S. Access Board's final rule, ``Information 
and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelines,'' which 
published on January 18, 2017. This rule updates the FAR to ensure that 
the updated accessibility standards are appropriately considered in 
Federal ICT acquisitions.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   08/11/21  86 FR 44229
Final Rule Effective................   09/10/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Phone: 202 208-4949, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN46

456. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2019-001, Analysis 
for Equipment Acquisitions

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are amending the FAR by implementing 
section 555 of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 
Reauthorization Act for FY 2018 (Pub. L. 115-254), which requires 
equipment to be acquired using the method of acquisition most 
advantageous to the Government based on a case-by-case analysis of 
costs and other factors. Section 555 requires the methods of 
acquisition to be compared in the analysis to include, at a minimum: 
(1) Purchase; (2) long-term lease or rental; (3) short-term lease or 
rental; (4) interagency acquisition; or, (5) acquisition agreements 
with a State or local government. Section 555 exempts certain 
acquisitions from this required analysis.

[[Page 5324]]

    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   06/10/21  86 FR 31070
Final Rule Effective................   07/12/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Phone: 202 208-4949, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN84

457. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2019-004, Good 
Faith in Small Business Subcontracting

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 1821 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2017 and the Small 
Business Administration regulatory changes relating to small business 
subcontracting plans. Per section 1821, the final rule provides 
examples of activities that would be considered a failure to make a 
good faith effort to comply with a small business subcontracting plan. 
The rule also requires prime contractors with commercial subcontracting 
plans to include indirect costs, with some exceptions, in their 
subcontracting plan goals.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   08/11/21  86 FR 44249
Final Rule Effective................   09/10/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dana L. Bowman, Phone: 202 803-3188, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN87

458. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2020-004, 
Application of the MPT to Certain Task and Delivery Orders

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are amending the FAR by implementing 
section 826 of the NDAA for FY 2020 (Pub. L. 116-92) which increases 
the threshold for requiring fair opportunity on orders under multiple-
award contracts from $3,500 to the micro-purchase threshold, unless an 
exception applies. This change applies the word-based threshold to 
ensure continued alignment with any future changes to the thresholds.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   06/10/21  86 FR 31073
Final Rule Effective................   07/12/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Phone: 202 208-4949, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO04

459. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2020-012, Scope of 
Review by Procurement Center Representatives

    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: The purpose of this FAR case is to implement section 1811 
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (15 
U.S.C. 644(l)(9)(A)), as implemented by the Small Business 
Administration's final rule published November 29, 2019 (84 FR 65647). 
15 U.S.C. 644(l)(9)(A) allows procurement center representatives to 
review solicitations without regard to whether the contract or order is 
set aside for small business, or reserved in the case of a multiple-
award contract, or whether the solicitation would result in a bundled 
or consolidated contract or order.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   08/11/21  86 FR 44247
Final Rule Effective................   09/10/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Malissa Jones, Phone: 703 605-2815, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO16

[FR Doc. 2021-27966 Filed 1-28-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-EP-P